Former Liverpool favourite John Arne Riise believes that Jurgen Klopp has created a team spirit that can help the Reds challenge for the title once again, and criticised Louis van Gaal’s unapproachable management style with Manchester United.
Klopp’s Anfield revolution has stuttered of late, with Liverpool without a victory in three against West Brom, FC Sion and Newcastle, but there have been glimpses since the charismatic German’s arrival that the good times could return to the red half of Merseyside.
Manchester United have also faltered in recent weeks after showing some early-season promise, with Van Gaal coming under increasing pressure from supporters unhappy with the brand of football the Dutch supremo has instilled at Old Trafford.
Former Reds defender Riise, who has just finished competing in the second Indian Super League with Delhi Dynamos, has told FourFourTwo that he likes what he sees from Klopp despite the recent blip, and feels that Liverpool have the edge over their great rivals United with the former Borussia Dortmund boss at the helm.
“Liverpool needed to get that fear factor back,” Riise told FFT. “When I was there people feared coming to Anfield, and they have lost that in the last few years.
“Now, with Jurgen Klopp in charge, they have that back. I like Brendan Rodgers, and I think he is an amazing coach, but something went wrong. I don’t know what, but it did.
“The players are fighting again, and there is a spark. We [Liverpool] blew Manchester City and Chelsea away.
Van Gaal has his way of coaching, but I would have struggled to play under him. I prefer coaches who you can talk to
“That spark needs to be there every week, especially at home. Something is holding them back at home.
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“Klopp is so friendly with his players, he builds a connection, and his players want to play for him.
“Look at the difference between United and Liverpool right now. Liverpool are showing real commitment and team spirit. I look at United, and I can’t see the same thing.
“Van Gaal has his way of coaching, but I would have struggled to play under him. I prefer coaches who you can talk to. You should be able to approach your manager without fear.”
Maybe next year
Klopp needs a few players in January, then he can add further in the summer, get more of the players he wants
The veteran Norwegian, now 35, admitted to still being a huge fan of the club he left in 2008, having picked up Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup winners’ medals at Anfield.
But he resisted temptation to tip the Reds for title success this season, insisting next campaign is a realistic target for Klopp.
“He needs a few players in January, then he can add further in the summer, get more of the players he wants, have a good pre-season and have a real go next season,” Riise said.
